Nicholas Smith has been a state representative since 2018 representating District 34 in the Illinois House of Represtatives. Here's the statement posted at CapFax
After much thought and careful consideration, I’ve decided not to seek reelection. Serving as a member of the Illinois General Assembly in the House of Representatives has been an honor of a lifetime. Serving the people of the 34th Representative District and the state of Illinois has been an absolute privilege. As I look forward to the next chapter in my life, I’m confident the next representative of the mighty 34th District will serve with distinction, integrity, and honor.
It was reported that he plans to serve out his term and has no favorite to replace him. I do hope he doesn't leave this process to an appointment denying voters an opportunity to make their choice at the ballot box.
I see comments in that post talking about District 34 map, I will show you an available map of it.
Unfortunately, I hadn't been on top of the discussion regarding Pres. Trump sending the National Guard to Chicago as I should've been. It proved to be part of the contentious back and forth between the President and Gov. J.B. Pritzker especially and our ineffective Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Rich Miller wrote a column about the dynamics of the battle between Gov. Pritzker and Pres. Trump. One question to be asked if whether or not Gov. Pritzker could ever call the President to lower the temperature? Just bear in mind our Governor is running for re-election next year and may run for President in 2028.
One other comment I may add is that there were within at least the past 20 years been calls from people in some south side neighborhoods asking for the National Guard to come in. Often I've been opposed to this at least because of the idea that our neighborhoods could be under martial law.
The National Guard is a dramatic solution as opposed to requesting more law enforcement resources to come into these crime hotspots. Over the years I do believe some neighborhoods had the benefit of the Cook County Sheriff coming into crime hotspots. So this is where my support would go more than bringing in the National Guard short of an outright insurrection.
Meanwhile the President is opting to send the National Guard and federal law enforcement resources to Memphis, Tennessee.
Another focus of the contention was the Presidents emphasis on expelling undocumented aliens from this county. Chicago is a sanctuary city and I've always supported expelling especially violent criminals and support those efforts.
In the news in the past week was that ICE was pursuing an undocumented alien and was killed by an ICE agent. He was said to have resisted arrest and attempted to run down the pursuing ICE Agents.
Let's start a discussion here. Would you like the National Guard to come to our neighborhoods? Would you like more law enforcement resources in our neighborhoods (city, county, state, & federal)?
Here are some more immediate events. There's a CAPS beat 511 meeting today at Rose Haven Manor at 10220 S. Michigan Avenue. Too short notice for you - in case you're not following the Rosemoor Community Association on FB then there's another one schedule for November 4, 2025.
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| Via CityofChicago.org |
It wasn't my intention to publish on Labor Day, however, since this post is live hopefully everyone is having a wonderful and safe holiday. It's the unofficial end of summer and fall 🍂 is coming. Also who's ready for football season 🏈.
Meanwhile....
Let's get away from government & politics for a moment given that this is a blog that is an homage to my grammar (elementary) school alumnus. Who knew that there was a soon to come all-class reunion for Bennett-Shedd School.
With this said since this will be coming next year - mark your calendars NOW!